If you have a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, body pains, a stuffy nose, or a scratchy throat, you may be asking what you can do right now to feel better.
Cold remedies such as an over the counter (OTC) decongestant nasal spray, neti pot, or humidifier can provide instant comfort. Furthermore, it is simpler to incorporate some of these therapies/remedies into an overall wellbeing regimen rather than turning to them only when affected by cold.
Here are some simple home remedies and lifestyle changes that can prevent or treat a cold and nasal congestion.
1. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated helps thin the mucus and clear nasal congestion. It is suggested to drink plenty of water, soups, and other warm liquids (avoid caffeine)
2. Make use of a cool-mist humidifier
Another effective cure is to moisten the air with a cool-mist humidifier, which can cleanse nasal passages and relieve congestion. Use distilled water instead of tap water whenever possible, set the unit to 30% to 50% humidity, and always follow the unit’s instructions.
3.Increase your rest time
When you are sick, it’s crucial to get lots of rest for your immune system to fight off cold viruses. Adults should strive for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, with naps throughout the day. Children require 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night, whereas adolescents require 8 to 10 hours of sleep.
4. Use lozenges to relieve a sore throat
Lozenges temporarily help to relieve a sore throat. Menthol lozenges can also help temporarily relieve nasal congestion.
5. Rinse your throat with salt water
Consider gargling with salt water if you have a sore and scratchy throat. All you must do is dissolve a teaspoon of salt in water. Take a mouthful and gargle for 10 to 30 seconds in the back of your throat. When you’re through, spit it out. It can help to soothe your throat.
6. Inhale some steam
Research suggests using steam to treat a cold and associated nasal congestion. Keep a bowl of hot water in front of you. Use a vaporizer or a towel tent and slowly lower your head towards the hot water bowl. Inhale the steam slowly and deeply through the nose. This soothes your inflamed tissues and aids in the removal of mucus and phlegm. Just make sure you’re not sitting too close to the bowl and that the steam isn’t hurting your delicate skin.
7.Make use of a neti pot.
Neti pots are generally regarded as safe for use in treating sinus conditions such as the common cold. One can use distilled/sterile water, boiled and cooled tap water, or water passed through a filter when using a nasal treatment pump.
They also recommend mixing in a saline solution to assist reduce irritation as the water goes through the nasal passages. One can use a neti pot to irrigate the nasal passages once a day. This will reduce postnasal dripping which causes coughing and irritation of the throat. Ensure that the neti pot is sterilized after each use.